UNSPECIFIED (2002) The theorization of social co-ordinations in differentiated societies: the theory of generalized symbolic media in Parsons, Luhmann and Habermas. In: 5th Conference of the European-Sociological-Association, HELSINKI, FINLAND, AUG 28-SEP 01, 2001. Published in: BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY, 53 (3). pp. 431-449.

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Abstract

The problem of the differentiation of societies is at the core of the sociological imagination about the rise of modernity. In postwar sociology, T. Parsons developed the theory of generalized symbolic media in the mid-1960s to tackle, theoretically and historically, the issue of differentiation. According to him, the interchange media are defined as resources oriented to exchange processes between the subsystems of the social system. Starting with money, Parsons argues that the remaining media (power, influence, and value-commitments) have a set of characteristics defined as common properties for all media. After this first formulation, contemporary theorists such as Niklas Luhmann and Jurgen Habermas have developed and modified the Parsonian theory: Luhmann rejects the idea of interchange and proposes the use of communication; Habermas distinguishes between steering and communication media. In all three cases, the focus of the theory is on the characterization of the strongest dynamics of social co-ordination present in differentiated societies. A major result of these developments is the inclusion of new dimensions on which to conceive the properties of media, not only those of money but also language. Beyond differences, then, it is proposed that there is only one theory of generalized symbolic media which can be understood as a progressive research programme, in Lakatos' terms. Finally, the hand-in-hand evolution between the theory of media and Habermas' and Luhmann's re-conceptualizations on societal differentiation in contemporary societies will also be revealed.

Item Type:	Conference Item (UNSPECIFIED)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Journal or Publication Title:	BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY
Publisher:	ROUTLEDGE
ISSN:	0007-1315
Date:	September 2002
Volume:	53
Number:	3
Number of Pages:	19
Page Range:	pp. 431-449
Identification Number:	10.1080/0007131022000000581
Publication Status:	Published
Title of Event:	5th Conference of the European-Sociological-Association
Location of Event:	HELSINKI, FINLAND
Date(s) of Event:	AUG 28-SEP 01, 2001
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/10608

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